Inflatable display

ABSTRACT

An inflatable display employs apparatus for continuously blowing air into a bag-like member on which may be carried a selected advertisement. The blower apparatus and the bag-like member may be connected to a frame structure at the upper end of the tube, the frame structure being adapted for connection to a tow line of an airborne vehicle. The shape of the member forms a part of the advertisement, such as a can, a bottle, or character and in one embodiment includes an inner liner spaced from the ends of the tube so that the ends of the tube may retain the definite selected shape thereof and are prevented from taking on a ballooning appearance. The liner balloons within the tube but does not change the exterior shape thereof. In another embodiment the blower apparatus is connected to a manifold for distributing a flow of air to a plurality of side-by-side connected open-ended tubes which form a three-dimensional display. As a static display the inflated member is anchored to the ground to prevent movements which may be effected by the wind.

United States Patent Yost [451 June 20, 1972 [54] INFLATABLE DISPLAYPrimary Examiner-Robert W. Michell Assistant Examiner-Wenceslao J.Contreras [721 Invent gf g Lane Att0rney-Hill, Sherman, Meroni, Gross &Simpson [22] Filed: Feb. 25, 1970 ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 14,014 Aninflatable display employs apparatus for continuously blowing air into abag-like member on which may be carried a selected advertisement. Theblower apparatus and the baglike member may be connected to a frameStructure at the n upper end of the tube, the frame structure beingadapted for [58] Field of Search 1063 215 connection to a tow line of anairborne vehicle. The shape of 56 R f Cted the member forms a part ofthe advertisement, such as a can, a 1 e erences 1 bottle, or characterand in one embodiment includes an inner UNITED STATES PATENTS linerspaced from the ends of the tube so that the ends of the tube may retainthe definite selected shape thereof and are 1,893,149 1/1933 Plcco..40/215 X prevented f taking on a ballooning appearahce The liner2,348,250 5/1944 Gardner.... ..40/ 106.3 balloons within the tube butdoes not change the exterior 2,498,270 2/1 Hawley "40/125 UX shapethereof. In another embodiment the blower apparatus is 2,551,596 5/1951Haglund ..273/105.3 X connected to a manifold for distributing a flow ofair to a rality of side-by-side connected open-ended tubes which formFOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS a three-dimensional display. As a staticdisplay the inflated 1,038,366 9/1953 France ..40/215 member is anchoredto the ground to prevent movements which may be efi'ected by the wind.

20 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures Z? l M PATENTEDmzo m2 3. 670,440

SHEET 1 or 3 40 I NVEN'TOR.

PAUL. 5. 257

BY ATTORNEYS PATENTEDJUHO m2 any SHEET 3 BF 3 I N VENTOR.

INFLATABLE DISPLAY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates to inflatable displays and more particularly todisplays which are being continuously inflated.

2. Description of the Prior Art It is, of course, well known in the artto provide display signs and billboards, and to provide a banner in towbehind an airplane or other airborne vehicle. In addition, the artrecognizes the use of balloons and dingibles for carrying a display onthe outer surface thereof.

Signs towed behind aircraft, for example, are limited to a certainextent to the amount of information which may be conveyed with respectto the sizes of lettering and altitude of flight while balloons aresomewhat limited with respect to the number of observers. Dirigibles,particularly large dirigibles, may be utilized to combine the advantagesof both airplanetowed signs and displays carried by balloons; that is, alarge amount of information may be communicated to a large number ofpersons. However, the lack of a sufficient number of dirigibles rendersthis means of advertisement costly, or even unavailable.

It has been determined that a large amount of information may becommunicated to an observer without the use of printed words if theobserver is shown well-known shapes. Further, information may becommunicated to the observer if the shapes are three-dimensional. Stillmore information may be conveyed to an observer by placing uniqueindicia, design, words or a combination thereof on a well known shape.For example, a manufacturers name, initials, etc. on the shape of a canin which his product is normally sold, particularly coupled with theproper color relationships of the actual can, conveys a completeadvertising message to an observer. Further, if such a display isconstructed in gigantic proportions to the real item and placed adjacenta busy, well-traveled thoroughfare, or towed through the air, thedisplay has a great attraction and provides an indelible message to agreat number of observers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, an inflatablethree-dimensional display is provided; and the display is adapted to betowed by a line from an airborne vehicle. The display is preferred to bein the three-dimensional form of a recognizable character, or acontainer such as a can, bottle, box or other package.

In constructions of generally cylindrical configuration adapted fortowing such as cans and bottles, the display apparatus comprises anelongate tube having a liner therein spaced from the ends of the tube.An upper frame structure is connected to the upper end of the tube andsupports blower apparatus and cables for connecting the apparatus to atow line. The blower apparatus is disposed in an opening of the liner toprovide a continuous flow of air into the liner. The spacing of theliner from the ends provides for well defined ends which do notthemselves balloon in that any ballooning afi'ect due to the airpressure difference between the interior and the exterior of the lineroccurs only at the liner and does not project past the ends of the tube.Therefore, the appearance of the flat ends are provided for theparticular container depicted. Static displays, of course, do notrequire the inner liner as the supporting surface, the earth forexamples, provides the desired flat appearance of the lower end of thetube.

Being flexible, the display apparatus may be easily folded I for storageafter use; however, a quick deflation of such a display is highlydesirable so that air may be removed therefrom for storage. Theinvention therefore features apparatus for quickly deflating thestructure which comprises a tear strand or rope disposed betweenoverlapping releasably engaged gusset portions of the tube. If thedisplay is airborne, upon landing the rope is pulled to tear open theside of the tube by disengaging the aforementioned gusset portions.

Airborne constructions which are to convey the appearance of a box orother rectangular parallelopiped, such as a cigarette package or acereal box, employ a frame for suspending the display apparatus from atow line and for carrying a blower. The inflatable portion of thestructure, whether static or airborne, comprises a plurality of hollowtubes arranged side-by-side and covered with a material to provide theouter surface of the package. The blower apparatus is connected to amanifold which serves to continuously supply each of the tubes with aflow of air tomaintain a pressure therein that is slightly greater thanthat of the surrounding air.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects, features and advantagesof the invention, its organization, construction and operation will bebest understood from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of display apparatus utilized inaccordance with the principles of the present invention showing displayapparatus being towed in flight by a helicopter;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention showing in a sideelevation with fragmentary sections display apparatus for representing acan-type cylindrical package;

FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 are details of frame and cabling construction whichmay be employed in practicing the invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 2illustrates apparatus which may be employed for providing a tear stripaccording to the invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of display apparatus constructed inaccordance with the invention, showing in a fragmentary section thereofthe provision of apparatus for preflight inflation to aid in launchingof the display apparatus;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the I inventionshown partially in fragmentary sections to illustrate the utilization ofa plurality of tubes to form a display package and apparatus forsupplying fluid flow to the plurality of tubes;

FIG. 10 is a pictorial illustration of the display apparatus of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial representation of a static display of awell-known character;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are elevational views of a static display of awell-known bottle form specifically illustrating anchoring techniques;

FIG. 14 is a view of the box-like display of FIG. 9 anchored as a staticdisplay; and

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line XV-XV of FIG. 14particularly illustrating apparatus for anchoring the display.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the drawings, there isgenerally shown a display apparatus 10 for connection to a tow line 11of an airborne vehicle, the helicopter 12.

The display apparatus 10 generally comprises a flexible tube 13 havingone end thereof connected to a frame 14 and the other end thereofconnected to a frame 15. Extending the lengthof the tube 13 are aplurality of gussets, indicated at 16,

formed of overlapping portions of the tube 13 and including therebetweencables 22 which connect frames 14 and 15.

A second plurality of cables 17 connect the upper frame 14 to an eye 18which is provided to connect the display ap paratus 10 to the tow line11.

The upper frame 14 comprises a plurality of arcuate members 19 coupledtogether by.coupling members 20 which receive the ends of the arcuatemembers 19. Each of the coupling members 20 includes a loop 21 securedthereto for connecting cables 17 and 22 to the upper frame 14.

A plurality of other cables 23 connect the frame 14 to a frame 24 at anupper ring-shaped member 25 thereof. The frame 24 further comprises alower ring-shaped member 26 and a plurality of spacing members 27 whichconnect members 25 and 26.

A pluralityof rigid straps'29 connect the ring member25 to aspring-loaded eye-bolt 30 having a spring 31 surrounding its shank 28. Acable32 connects the eye bolt 30 to the eye 18 to provide a resilientsuspension for the frame 24. A plurality of other cables 33 suspend thering member 25 from the eye 18.

A prime mover, preferably a motor such as used on lawnmowers, is mountedon the frame 24 and rotatably carries and powers a fan element 35 forcontinuously blowing air into the tube 13.

The immense size of the tube 13 would require a tremendous amount of airflow to provide a sufficient pressure, for example 1.5-3.5 inches ofwater, to maintain its cylindrical appearance without some form of aircapture being provided. Therefore, sections 13a and 13b are connected tothe inner surface of the tube 13 to form a lining therein which definesa continuously leaking air chamber. Either the'lining 13a, 13b or thetube 13, or both, may include porous material for providing continuousfluid communication between the air chamber and the exterior of thedisplay apparatus. The gussets forming the display are sewn together.Attention is invited that the sections 13a and 13b are disposed so as tolie inwardly of the ends of the tube 13 when the display apparatus isfully inflated so as to prevent a ballooning appearance at the bottomand top of the apparatus which would destroy the intended effect todisplay a can or similar container. Ballooning does occur, but onlywithin the tube 13 at the sections 13a and 13b. 4 ounce nylon has provenadvantageous for inflation and may be coated with a rubber base coating,urethene, or the like.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, it can be seen that theframe 14 comprises a plurality ofarcuate members 19 connected togetherby coupling members 20 to define the circular cross-section of thedisplay apparatus 10. It will further be appreciated that the frame 14has connected thereto three separate series of cables 17, 22 and'23.Cables 22 lie within the gussets 16 and connect the frame 14 and theframe 15; cables 17 connect the frame 14 to the eye 18; and cables 23conriect the frame 14 to the ring member 25 of the frame 24. The frame15 is similarly constructed from a plurality of arcuate members 19a andcoupling members 200; however, the frame 15 does not carry any cablesother than cables 32 connected thereto. All 'of the cables mentionedabove maybe provided with means for adjusting the links thereof, asrequired; such a turn buckle 41 being shown in connection with the cable22 and the lower frame 15 in FIG. 6. However, a turn buckle willgenerallynot be required in connection with a gusset cable 22 but ismore apt to be required in connection with cables 17, 23 and 32, but notbeing shown with respect to those cables for reasons of clarity in thedrawings.

In constructions where a gravity feed-type prime mover, such asmentioned above, is employed a cable 55 is connected to the shank 28 ofthe eye bolt 30, passed through a resilient link 56 which is secured tothe frame 24 and connected to the motor 24. The cable 55 transmits thetension on cable 32 to the motor 34 as a means of maintaining the motor,and particularly its gas tank, in a generally horizontal position forgravity operated fluid flow.

The flexibility of the tube 13 and the sections 13a and 13b isadvantageous for storage of the display apparatus upon deflationthereof; however, upon landing, even after motor 34 ceases to operate, atremendous amount of air is maintained in the chamber defined by theinner lining. The display apparatus is therefore provided with a tearstrip 42 for opening the side of the tube 13 and permitting rapiddeflation of the chamber. The tear strip 42 comprises a pair ofoverlapping gusset portions 43 and 44 having disposed therebetween astrand or rope 45 with an end 46 hanging freely from the tear strip tobe grasped by the hand of an operator. The portions '43 and 44 havedisposed thereon releasably engaging cloth zipper material incooperating pairs 47, 48 and 49, 50 such as is commonly sold under themark Velcro." As the lower end of the display apparatus nears or touchesthe ground, an operator pulls the end 46 of rope 45 to tear open thetube 13 by disengaging the cooperable portions 47-50. Tube 13 may thenbe folded as it is lowered.

. In addition to the fabric of the display apparatus being folded, theframe 14 and the frame 15 are also provided with apparatus for foldingat diametrically opposed portions by means of hinge apparatus 36. Thehinge apparatus 36 comprises a pair of C-shaped members 37 and 38. Onepair of legs of each member 37 and 38 is pivotally connected by a pin 39while the other pair of legs is releasably connected by a pin 40.

' Therefore, removal of the pin 40 permits the frame to be previouslyillustrated and discussed and is generally indicated by the referencenumeral 10'. The display apparatus includes cables 17 for adapting thedisplay to be connected to a tow line and an inner liner referenced 13cand 13d illustrated in an inflated and ballooned condition.

The section 130 includes an opening or intake nozzle 51 therein forconnection to a discharge tube 52 which is in communication with ablower 53. The blower 53,is operated by a prime mover, illustratedherein as motor 54. As the display apparatus 10' is lifted to anextended length the blower 53 is operating to preinflate the apparatus.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 display apparatus 60 is illustrated ashaving the shape of a rectangular parallelopiped and generally comprisesa frame 61, a motor 62 mounted on the frame and a plurality ofside-by-side tubes 68. The frame 61 may be connected to a pole line bymeansof the cables 71.

The tubes 68 are connected side-by-side to form the generallyrectangular shape of the apparatus 60 and may in themselves berectangular in cross-section. Further,the tubes 68 may be covered by anouter sheet or film to carry the indicia of the display.

The blower apparatus includes a motor 62 having a closed fan chamber 63for feeding an outlet conduit 64 which is in communication with amanifold 65 connected to the upper"v end of each of the tubes 68. Theblower apparatus therefore provides a fluid flow through the manifold tofeed each of the tubes 68 by way of their respective openings 67 intothe manifold to provide a fluid flow through the tubes and outthe openbottom ends 69 thereof. The passage of air through the tubes 68 causes ahigher pressure, for example 5 inches of water, within the tubes than onthe exterior thereof to effect an inflating action and cause theapparatus to maintain the appearance of a rectangular parallelopiped. Inthis form of construction, the display apparatus may be advantageouslyutilized to advertise products which normally appear in rectangularboxes or packages, and an axial fan is used to obtain the greaterrequired air pressure.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated generally at reference astationary or static display formed in the shape of a well-known oreasily recognizable character. The display comprises a plurality ofshaped inflatable portions 8185 connected in fluid communication witheach other and with an inflation apparatus 86. The inflation apparatus86 includes a blower 87 which is driven by a motor 88 to supply a flowof air through a tube 89 which is connected to the display portion 83.The inflation apparatus 86 has been constructed in one form by utilizinga l 15 foot diameter axial type blower fan driven by a one horse motor.

The display is secured against the deleterious effects of the wind atselected points by a plurality of guy lines or strands 90 which areconnected to the ground by anchors 91 and to the display by fanshapedmeans 92 which are sewn to the material which forms the display. Thefan-shaped means includes a plurality of layers of fabric and webbingand the guy lines 90 and the fan-shaped means 92 extend tangentially tothe surface of the display so that tension is applied along the fabricof the display and peeling forces are prevented. This type of connectionis advantageously employed where the curvature of the shaped display andthe room available for guide lines are suitable. Referring to FIGS. 12and 13, a tall display 100 in the shape of a bottle is shown in order toillustrate anchoring techniques where spherical surfaces, such as inFIG. 11, are not involved. Here, anchoring in only one direction againstthe force of the wind W is illustrated for convenience and clarity. Aplurality of pairs of guide lines 101, 102 and 103, 104 are connected torespective anchors, such as anchor 105. At selected elevation pointseach of the pairs of guy lines, for example lines 103 and 104 areconnected to opposite sides of the display 100 by connecting means 106which may also be fanshaped. The tension in the oppositely disposed guylines has a horizontal component which places the material in tensionand further provides a horizontal component directed oppositely to thedirection of the force of the wind. There is also, of course, a verticalcomponent, but the vertical component is maintained as small as possiblein that the tension in the line is maintained at a minimum value in thatsuch tension only has necessary to combat the effects of the wind isutilized, and the angle of connection is made as near to the horizontalas practically possible under the particular conditions at theinstallation site.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the package of FIGS. 9 and 10 isillustrated as it would be utilized for a stationary or static display.Here, a rigid member is secured within the hollow interior of thedisplay for receiving anchoring connections. In the particularembodiment illustrated, at least one rigid member is received andsupported in a corresponding sleeve 110 which is secured to the tubes 68in the space formed by the array of tubes. A guy line 113 is connectedto the rigid member 111 and extends between adjacent tubes 68 andthrough a slit 112 in the outer layer of material 70 for connection toan anchor 114. As many anchors and guy lines as necessary may beutilized with a corresponding number of slits l 12 although only asingle such anchoring connection is illustrated in FIG. 14.

FIGS. 12 and 14 diagrammatically illustrate the utilization of inflationapparatus 86 such as employed in FIG. 11, rather than the airborne typeblower apparatus employed above for similar displays in order that theweight of the inflating equipment is removed from the top of astationary display and so that such apparatus is more easily maintained.It is preferred that continuous duty electric motors be employed in thestationary displays in that little or no maintenance is required and thedisplay may be continuously inflated over extended periods of time.

Generally, there has been described inflatable three-dimensional displayapparatus for static display or adapted to' be towed by a line from anairborne vehicle and capable of presenting a three dimensional message.Further, the apparatus includes means for compensating for ballooning ofthe inflated structures so that the structures may take on the desiredappearance of a can, bottle, box, etc. In addition, apparatus has beenprovided for quick deflation of the display apparatus and apparatus forfolding the display apparatus for storage.

It has further been discussed that it may be advantageous to preinflateor partially inflate display apparatus of the kind described hereinprior to flight, and means for providing this inflation and itsconnection to the display apparatus where set forth.

As a static display the constructions are anchored to the ground againstthe force of the wind by guy lines or strands which are connected to thedisplay either to the surface or internally of the display. Connectionsto the surface are effected at angles such that the material is placedin tension having horizontal component opposite to the direction of windforce.

Internal connection to a display is provided through slits in the outercover for passing a guy line connected to an internal rigid member.

Many changes and modifications may be made in the invention by oneskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention, and it is to be understood that I wish to include within thepatent warranted hereon all such changes and modifications which mayreasonably and properly be included within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What I claim is:

1. Display apparatus to be towed by a line from an airborne vehicle,comprising:

a flexible tube of selected length for carrying a display thereon, saidtube including two ends;

means for suspending said tube from the tow line;

lining means forming an air chamber within said tube betweenand spacedaway from said two ends and including fluid communication means forplacing said air chamber in continuous communication with the atmospherefor continuous air leakage;

means forming an opening through said lining means to the air chamber;

inflation means mounted in said opening in said lining means operable tocontinuously inflate said continuously leaking lining means.

2. Display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means forsuspending said tube from the tow line comprises:

a first frame connected to a first of said ends of said tube and havingthe same peripheral shape as said first end;

means for connecting said first frame to the tow line;

a second frame connected to a second of said ends of said tube andhaving the same peripheral shape as said second end; and

a plurality of gussets in said tube spaced about the periphery thereofand extending between said frames, each of said gussets including meansconnected to said frames.

3. Display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said meansforsuspending said tube from the tow line comprises:

a frame having the same peripheral shape as one of said ends of saidtube, and connected thereto, and means for connecting said frame to thetow line.

4. Display apparatus according to claim 3, comprising means connected tothe other of said ends of said tube for weighing and holding said otherend below said lining means during flight.

5. Display apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of said framesincludes a pair of hinges disposed diametrically thereacross for foldingsaid frames for storage.

6. Display apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of said hingesincludes a pair of generally C-shaped members each having a first legand a second leg, means pivotally connecting said first legs, and meansfor releasably latching said second legs.

7. Display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said tube includesmeans for quickly opening said tube for fast deflation thereof.

8. Display apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said quick openingmeans includes first and second overlapping portions of said tube, meansreleasably connecting said overlapping portions, and a strand disposedbetween said first and second portions and having a portion extending tothe exterior of said tube, said portion to be pulled by hand to effect astripping open of said overlapping portions.

9. Display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said inflation meansincludes a fan device for blowing air into the chamber and a prime moverfor operating said fan device.

10. Display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said lining meansincludes a lower end and means defining an opening in said lower endadapted for coupling to a preflight inflation supply.

11. Display apparatus to be towed by a line from an airborne vehicle,comprising a flexible structure for being towed through the air havingflexible side walls including at least one flexible surface facingtoward the direction of flight, said structure including at least oneair passageway I therein in communication with the atmosphere,

power driven blower means connected to said structure for I blowing airthrough said passageway to create a greater than atmospheric pressuretherein, and tow line means for connecting said structure and airblowing means to a tow line from an aircraft, said tow line located sothat said surface of said structure faces the direction of flight, saidblower having a capacity to inflate the flexible structure withsufficient pressure to prevent collapse of the side walls and to preventcollapse of said surface facing in the direction of flight due to airresistance against said surface. 12. Display apparatus to be towed by aline from an airborne vehicle, comprising a flexible structure includingat least one air passageway therein in communication with theatmosphere, means connected to said structure for blowing air throughsaid passageway to create a greater than atmospheric pressure therein,and means for connecting said structure and air blowing means to the towline, Y a plurality of air passageways in communication with theatmosphere, and Y a manifold connecting said plurality of passageways incommunication with said air blowing means. 13. Display apparatusaccording to claim 12, wherein said frame includes hinge means forfolding said frame for storage.

14. Display apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said frame includesa first section connected to one end of said flexible structure, and asecond section connected to the other end of said flexible structure.

15. Display apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said flexiblestructure includes an inner liner having at least a portion thereofformed of porous material for continuous leakage of air.

16. Display apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said air-blowingmeans includes a prime mover having a gravityfeed type fuel system, andsaid apparatus further comprises means for l rging saidprime movertoward a predetermined orientation during flight to permit gravity fuelfeed.

17. Display apparatus comprising: an inflatable member shaped as areplica of an object to be displayed, power driven blower meansconnected in fluid communication with said inflatable membercontinuously filling the member with air creating an inflating pressurewithin said member,

a plurality of elongate tubes disposed adjacent one another to form saidinflatable member,

a rigid member secured to said tubes within said inflatable member, and

guying strands for connection to the ground connected to said rigidmember and extending between adjacent ones of said tubes.

18. Display apparatus according to claim 17, comprising:

a an outer layer of material covering said tubes to provide a surfacefor carrying a display thereon,

a1. said layer of material having slits therein for passing said guyingstrands therethrough.

19. Display apparatus according to claim 17, comprising a. a sleevesecured to said tubes for receiving and securing said rigid member.

20. Display apparatus according to claim 17, comprising:

a. an outer layer of material covering said tubes,

a1. said layer of material having slits therein, and

a2. said guying strands extending through respective ones of said slits;and

b. a sleeve secured to said tubes for receiving and supporting saidrigid member.

1. Display apparatus to be towed by a line from an airborne vehicle,comprising: a flexible tube of selected length for carrying a displaythereon, said tube including two ends; means for suspending said tubefrom the tow line; lining means forming an air chamber within said tubebetween and spaced away from said two ends and including fluidcommunication means for placing said air chamber in continuouscommunication with the atmosphere for continuous air leakage; meansforming an opening through said lining means to the air chamber;inflation means mounted in said opening in said lining means operable tocontinuously inflate said continuously leaking lining means.
 2. Displayapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for suspending saidtube from the tow line comprises: a first frame connected to a first ofsaid ends of said tube and having the same peripheral shape as saidfirst end; means for connecting said first frame to the tow line; asecond frame connected to a second of said ends of said tube and havingthe same peripheral shape as said second end; and a plurality of gussetsin said tube spaced about the periphery thereoF and extending betweensaid frames, each of said gussets including means connected to saidframes.
 3. Display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said meansfor suspending said tube from the tow line comprises: a frame having thesame peripheral shape as one of said ends of said tube, and connectedthereto, and means for connecting said frame to the tow line.
 4. Displayapparatus according to claim 3, comprising means connected to the otherof said ends of said tube for weighing and holding said other end belowsaid lining means during flight.
 5. Display apparatus according to claim4, wherein each of said frames includes a pair of hinges disposeddiametrically thereacross for folding said frames for storage. 6.Display apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of said hingesincludes a pair of generally C-shaped members each having a first legand a second leg, means pivotally connecting said first legs, and meansfor releasably latching said second legs.
 7. Display apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein said tube includes means for quickly opening saidtube for fast deflation thereof.
 8. Display apparatus according to claim7, wherein said quick opening means includes first and secondoverlapping portions of said tube, means releasably connecting saidoverlapping portions, and a strand disposed between said first andsecond portions and having a portion extending to the exterior of saidtube, said portion to be pulled by hand to effect a stripping open ofsaid overlapping portions.
 9. Display apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said inflation means includes a fan device for blowing air intothe chamber and a prime mover for operating said fan device.
 10. Displayapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said lining means includes alower end and means defining an opening in said lower end adapted forcoupling to a preflight inflation supply.
 11. Display apparatus to betowed by a line from an airborne vehicle, comprising a flexiblestructure for being towed through the air having flexible side wallsincluding at least one flexible surface facing toward the direction offlight, said structure including at least one air passageway therein incommunication with the atmosphere, power driven blower means connectedto said structure for blowing air through said passageway to create agreater than atmospheric pressure therein, and tow line means forconnecting said structure and air blowing means to a tow line from anaircraft, said tow line located so that said surface of said structurefaces the direction of flight, said blower having a capacity to inflatethe flexible structure with sufficient pressure to prevent collapse ofthe side walls and to prevent collapse of said surface facing in thedirection of flight due to air resistance against said surface. 12.Display apparatus to be towed by a line from an airborne vehicle,comprising a flexible structure including at least one air passagewaytherein in communication with the atmosphere, means connected to saidstructure for blowing air through said passageway to create a greaterthan atmospheric pressure therein, and means for connecting saidstructure and air blowing means to the tow line, a plurality of airpassageways in communication with the atmosphere, and a manifoldconnecting said plurality of passageways in communication with said airblowing means.
 13. Display apparatus according to claim 12, wherein saidframe includes hinge means for folding said frame for storage. 14.Display apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said frame includes afirst section connected to one end of said flexible structure, and asecond section connected to the other end of said flexible structure.15. Display apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said flexiblestructure includes an inner liner having at least a portion thereofformed of porous material for continuous leakage of air.
 16. Displayapparatus aCcording to claim 12, wherein said air-blowing means includesa prime mover having a gravity-feed type fuel system, and said apparatusfurther comprises means for urging said prime mover toward apredetermined orientation during flight to permit gravity fuel feed. 17.Display apparatus comprising: an inflatable member shaped as a replicaof an object to be displayed, power driven blower means connected influid communication with said inflatable member continuously filling themember with air creating an inflating pressure within said member, aplurality of elongate tubes disposed adjacent one another to form saidinflatable member, a rigid member secured to said tubes within saidinflatable member, and guying strands for connection to the groundconnected to said rigid member and extending between adjacent ones ofsaid tubes.
 18. Display apparatus according to claim 17, comprising: a.an outer layer of material covering said tubes to provide a surface forcarrying a display thereon, a1. said layer of material having slitstherein for passing said guying strands therethrough.
 19. Displayapparatus according to claim 17, comprising a. a sleeve secured to saidtubes for receiving and securing said rigid member.
 20. Displayapparatus according to claim 17, comprising: a. an outer layer ofmaterial covering said tubes, a1. said layer of material having slitstherein, and a2. said guying strands extending through respective onesof said slits; and b. a sleeve secured to said tubes for receiving andsupporting said rigid member.